Dancing is John Prat’s first love. And from his first dance performance in “Ang TV” 30 years ago, he has learned to also dance his way through whatever music life plays. 

Check out this episode of Magandang Buhay The Podcast as John looks back on the highlights of his three-decade-old showbiz career.

We know that he started his acting career via kiddie gag show “Ang TV” alongside his sister Camille Prats in 1992. But not many of us have heard his audition story. In this interview, he said it was Camille who received a call from Johnny Manahan aka Mr. M for an audition. He just tagged along with her and their grandmother to the ABS-CBN studios. As luck would have it, interested kids from the audience were asked to try out as well. Then-8-year-old John showed what he got.

Shortly after “Ang TV,” he was cast as one of the lead child stars in the superhero movie “Batang X,” his dream role as a kid. Growing past the so-called awkward stage, he acted in several Kapamilya series and formed a band with Carlo Aquino and Stefano Mori known as the JCS Band, taken from their initials. He enjoyed looking back on this stage of his career, where he was able to record an album with his friends.

Moving on from his love team era, he focused more on dancing until he joined the first Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition, which he described as, “Isa siyang experience na hinding-hindi ko ni-regret at hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan pero hindi ko na rin uulitin.” Find out why in the podcast!

His recent teleserye was FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, in which he also did his first directorial job for a series. John has nothing but wonderful things to say about its lead star and co-director Coco Martin. He said they formed a family in their 6 years in the show, two of which were spent in lock-in bubbles. Tune in to the podcast as he talked about his partnership with Coco and why the show lasted. Jokingly, he said FPJAP witnessed his family grow from just him and his wife Isabel Oli to having three kids.

He also compared directing a TV series and concerts. While they may differ in technicalities, both require a clear vision. He said directing, especially concerts, is about giving his artists the chance to shine.

“I believe I am an instrument para ma-fulfil ‘yung dream concert ng artist. I always have this talk with the artist na, ‘Ano ‘yung dream concert mo?’ Kasi gusto ko mangyari ‘yun. Gusto ko after ng concert, happy siya. Siya ‘yung importante,” he shared, bringing to mind his first directorial job in a concert with Moira Dela Torre.

On and off the dance floor, things feel better when you have a solid backup. In his 30 years in the industry, John has gained friendships that are for keeps. Joining him in this episode were Pooh and Sam Milby, two of his closest friends. They may not see each other as often but they manage to pick up from where they left off.

The trio shared anecdotes proving the realness of their relationship. They recalled a time when John listened to Pooh’s life story when the latter got sentimental eating ‘bagoong’ during a show in the States and when Sam influenced his interest in motorbikes.

John also reacted to Sam’s relationship with Catriona Gray, hinting at the possibility of his friend settling down soon simply because he sees him happy. You wouldn’t want to miss this part!

Listen to this episode of Magandang Buhay The Podcast hosted by ‘momshies’ Regine Velasquez, Jolina Magdangal, and Melai Cantiveros.